Czechs out to take final chance

The Czech Republic will attempt to lift the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time when they take on holders and five-time winners Argentina in the final in Canada on Sunday night, the sides' second meeting of the competition.

Argentina favourites
The South American team, who shared a goalless draw with the Czechs in the competition's group stage, go into the game at Toronto's National Soccer Stadium as heavy favourites having scored the highest number of goals at the tournament (14) while also conceding the fewest - just one. The Czech Republic, in their first final, are the only team to have prevented Hugo Tocalli's side from scoring but Argentina's Liverpool FC defender Emiliano Insua is confident of a different outcome tonight. "We know we were unable to score against the Czechs in our first game, but this one will be different. We have the experience of some tough games and we have improved with each."

Czech hopes
While Argentina are experienced campaigners having won the trophy in 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001 and 2005, the occasion will be new to the Czech Republic but an impressive run to the final, including a quarter-final victory against reigning UEFA European Under-19 champions Spain, has given them hope of causing an upset. "The favourites are definitely Argentina but who knows - maybe we can spring a surprise," said striker Tomáš Pekhart. "Everyone knows we don't have too many stars in our team but our strength is gained from teamwork and unity," added fellow forward Martin Fenin. "Our team spirit is second to none."

Missing players
Both sides will be missing key players, with star-studded Argentina suffering the greater burden. Captain Matías Cahais and Claudio Jacob are both suspended for the holders, while Angel Di Maria, Mauro Zarate and Damian Escudero are all serious injury doubts. Czech Republic coach Miroslav Soukup, meanwhile, will have to do without Petr Janda after the midfielder picked up his second yellow card of the competition in the 2-0 semi-final victory against Austria.

Austria test
The losing semi-finalists will hope to end a fine tournament by clinching third place against Chile, although to do so Paul Gludovatz's side will have to break down a defence that had not conceded before their 3-0 semi-final loss to Argentina. "Chile are one of the best teams at this World Cup," said the Austria coach, who has a full-strength squad minus defender Thomas Panny, who broke his leg before the semi-final. "We're going to have to try to cut out their long passing game, not let them play their football and show what we are capable of."